Paul Sheldon “P. S.” Andrus
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, for Paul Sheldon "P. S." Andrus, 95, who passed away on March 9, 2024.
Fr. Paul Bienvenu, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. The lecturers will be his granddaughters, Tricia Andrus and Leah Fink. Gift-bearers will be his granddaughters, Samantha Grabert and Kayla Fain.
Burial will take place in St. Alphonsus Mausoleum.
Sheldon was the son of Clarence Andrus and the former Paula Trahan. He grew up on the family farm in Maurice speaking mostly French at home and English in school. Sheldon joined the US Navy prior to his high school graduation during World War II and returned from service in 1948. He soon began a 40-year career with the Telephone Company and was fondly nicknamed “P. S.” He made many life-long friends there and was involved in the Telephone Pioneer Association. Sheldon met a beautiful telephone switchboard operator, Mary “Dolores” Broussard, which led to their 70 years of marriage and 5 children.
Sheldon was a hardworking, excellent provider for his loved ones. He often worked multiple professions and continued as a 5th generation cattleman, farmer, and a brief owner of racehorses. He served as President of the Coulee Kinney Drainage District for many years, working with landowners to improve the drainage system. Sheldon remained involved in St. Alphonse Catholic Church where he grew up and later served on the Parish Council and as an usher for decades. He supported Catholic education and was known as the VC/Mt. Carmel May Festival electrician for many of its early years.
After retirement, Sheldon began a life helping others, gardening, and returning to the outdoors which he so dearly loved. He had an extreme passion for hunting and fishing which led to many close relationships with folks like Dane, Allen, Earl, Terry, and so many others. Sheldon maintained an inquisitive, self-teaching mindset throughout his life which spanned from the days of lanterns to Facebook friendships. He often attended Relay for Life where he loved meeting people, and he was always determined not to let any health issues prevent him from doing the things he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Dolores Broussard Andrus; children, John (Becky) Andrus, Monica (Michael) Huffman, Philip (Michelle) Andrus, and Carla (Joe) Fain; 14 grandchildren, Joshua (Pam) Andrus, Jarrod (Christine) Andrus, Jacob (Markie) Andrus, Leah (Andrew) Fink, Samantha (Corey Foreman) Grabert, Mick (Myka) Huffman, Miranda Broussard, Brodie (Aimee) Broussard, Tricia Andrus, Baron (Barrett) Andrus, Travis Fain, Andrew Fain, Matthew (Danielle) Fain, and Kayla Fain; 12 great-grandchildren, Ridge Andrus, Jett Andrus, Mason Andrus, Emma Andrus, Luke Andrus, Dani-Ryan Andrus, MJ Huffman, Bryce (Bree) Scalisi, Ann Claire Broussard, Amelia Broussard, Ryder Andrus-Wiley, Branson Andrus-Wiley; 1 great-great granddaughter, Emma Scalisi; brother, Pierre Sidney Andrus; daughter-in-law, Beth Andrus; brother-in-laws, Harold Lachaussee and Donald (Faye) Broussard.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Paul Neil Andrus; parents, Clarence and Paula Andrus; brother, CJ Andrus and his wife Gertie; sister, Margaret Andrus Lachaussee; sister-in-law, Joanne Forester Andrus.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice on Thursday, March 14, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon in the funeral home. Visiting hours will continue, following the Rosary, until the time of service.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Joshua Andrus, Jarrod Andrus, Jacob Andrus, Mick Huffman, Brodie Broussard, Baron Andrus, Travis Fain and Matthew Fain.
Honorary Pallbearer, serving overseas with the US Air Force, will be his grandson, Andrew Fain.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for those so helpful with Dad’s most recent care including: Dr. Thad Bourque & his staff, Dr. Kerry Schexnaider, and the wonderful team at Hospice of Acadiana. Special thanks to all his home caregivers.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Andrus family at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Paul Sheldon "P. S." Andrus and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA.
